I frequently manage to perform my own appliance repairs (dryer belts, heat elements, washing maching solenoids, etc) and am now contemplating my dead dishwasher. It is a year and a half old “maytag” which I actually think is made by whirlpool. I am hoping someone can help me determine if I want to tackle this one as this is my first dishwasher and I have no prior experience with them.
The dishwasher has a “field service test” that is actuated by pressing the control pad buttons in the proper sequence and after performing this test it has returned a self diagnosis indicating a fault in the “low current motor”.
Does anyone out there have any experience with a situation like this? Is it doable with some common sense and good mechanical aptitude? I am assuming I can take the numbers off the motor and run down to the appliance parts store and pick up a new one.
Last question…does this seem like a premature failure after only a year and a half of being run 3 or 4 times a week? Any ideas on how to increase the longevity of the replacement motor?
Thanks in advance, Karl
Replies
This is certainly "early failure". Mine Maytag DW is 23 years old. I did have to replace the pump assembly about 3-4 years ago and I have replaced the belts a couple of times. Also had to replace the water fill float switch. Also replaced the timer maybe 8-10 years ago. But still on the orginal motor.
Have you check Maytag's website. Some of the manufactures have service info online. And other have an 800 tech support number that will talk you through some of the operations.
But first you need to some some other checking. Something as simple as a broker wire or loose connector might give you that error message.
Also check with the manufacter and see if there might have been service buliten or maybe recall on this problem. Might even get a replacement under a "customer relation warantee".
Bill, you lead me to believe there are some repairs I will be able to tackle myself. It seems it might be worth it for me to get the repair manual for this machine.
thanks for the tips, karl
Bill's loose wire possibility is likely the cause. Many early "failures" are due to a "faston" (push on terminal) vibrating loose early in life. For anything that moves during operation(note)- check the really simple stuff first before dis-assembly.
Note: items like this are the door interlock switches on microwaves and dishwashers, defrost timers on refrigerators, door switches on dryers and wash machnes, etc.
Karl, go to: http://www.repairclinic.com. It's free, and the web site owner will walk you thru a process to determine the problem.
Sonny
Thanks for all the ideas, I tried repair clinic.com and their troubleshooting guide leads me to think it may just be a jammed or clogged pump impeller. Now I just need to figure out how to pull off the spray arm and pump cover. I will try and post whatever results I come up with.
That is a handy website you sent me to, Thanks, Karl
Give the Maytag repairmen a chance at this one, the guy's in the shop right now with nothing to do, there the lonliest guys in town.
no turn left unstoned